Ben Ritter West of Ryan, Oklahoma, passed from this life Wednesday, September 18, 2002, in the Waurika Nursing Home at the age of eighty-five. He was born in Graham, Texas, to T.V. and Lizzie West on July 25, 1917. He came to Ryan, Oklahoma, from Clarksville, Texas in 1933, at the age of sixteen. He had a working pair of mules that he used in farming, yard work, and gardening.

Survivors include: one sister - Ruby Ritter Pollard of Ryan, OK; and one brother - Jim Ferguson Ritter of Chandler, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and one brother.

Graveside services for Mr. Ritter were at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 19, 2002, at the Ryan Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home of Ryan.